7 Low-Budget Holiday Horror Films To Make Your Season Bright
We love holiday horror! That means the good, the bad, and the chaotic. Low-budget horror films, especially holiday horror, tend to have a mix of all three. If you are in the market for killer cookies or armed robotic Santas, then we’ve got you covered. We sought out the movies that filled our stockings for less. Here is a list of low-budget holiday horror films that will spread cheer throughout the Yuletide season.
The Gingerdead Man (2005)
This movie starts with Gary Busey senselessly robbing a diner in broad daylight for reasons. The next three minutes truly inform the viewer about the tone of the rest of the movie. If you are interested in how a killer cookie gets involved, then this film is for you. There are wrestling references, puns galore, and some ridiculous kills. Admittedly, the movie can be forgettable plot-wise, but we do think it is worth at least one watch. Catch it on Tubi for free.
Jack Frost (1997)
Many horror fans remember this straight-to-video gem because of the VHS cover. We thought we were getting a skeletal icy entity. We actually got Frosty the Snowman with an attitude. This movie requires the viewer to suspend their disbelief, but we think it’s worth it. Jack Frost leans heavily into the camp and chaos of the movie and we respect it for that. Some of the jokes and puns fall a little flat, but we are willing to look past it. We won’t look past that trashy carrot reference in the scene with Shannon Elizabeth. Jack Frost deserved to sit under a hooded dryer for that BS. It’s available on Prime Video, Tubi, PlutoTv, and Peacock.
A Cadaver Christmas (2011)
This little indie gem does not reinvent the wheel, but it provides an entertaining little ride. We always champion a zombie flick and this one has a special little twist at the end. The characters are fun to follow even through some of the performances. This film used plenty of budget for gore, so pull on for the blood, guts, and ass. You can check it out on Tubi.
Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)
This is another holiday horror flick that does not hold back on blood. If you enjoy Chopping Mall, Silent Night, Deadly Night, and The Terminator, this may be worth checking out. Christmas Bloody Christmas follows a record store owner trying to party, but a robotic Santa has other plans. We love that this movie does not play it safe and puts every character in danger. This movie manages to look good and provide beautiful practical effects, festive lighting, and good music. The third act drags a little because Santa won’t stay down, but we can look past that. There are beautiful lights, excellent kills, and excessive drinking; all the things that make the holidays merry. Check it out on Shudder.
The Mean One (2022)
If you enjoy The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Hallmark movies, and computer-generated blood, then check out The Mean One. This movie knows it’s a parody and that’s what we love about it. The viewer is guided through the movie with Dr. Seuss-like narration, which is great during the violent scenes. While the budget may be low, there is no shortage of bodies. This movie had a limited release in theaters. We are still on the lookout for a streaming release date.
Santa Jaws (2018)
There are hundreds of random shark horror titles. However, this movie involves a shark summoned by Christmas items. We follow a teen who makes a holiday wish that unfortunately causes his comic shark to wreak havoc on his family. There are a few funny gags and several kills. The effects aren’t the best, but if you enjoy SYFY shark movies, then you know what to expect. Grab a candy cane and check this out on Prime Video.
Mercy Christmas (2017)
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a feast! The viewer follows Michael Briskett as he attends a holiday party. As he goes from guest to entree, he must figure out how to escape this holiday hell. There are human steaks and hijinks under the Christmas tree this year. If you are into comedy and cannibalism, then check out this movie on Prime Video, Paramount Plus, or Tubi.
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